In this episode, I answer a listener's question about how to balance style with real-life function, especially when you need storage now. I cover when to use placeholders, when to splurge, and why cheap fixes usually cost more in the long run. I also share how I use crates, tins, and old sugar bowls to keep things looking good and working hard.

Final episode of the season—back August 18. And don’t forget: retreat early bird pricing ends August 1. All the details are at https://www.slowstylehome.com/retreat-2025

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I talk with Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper. We cover what makes her peel-and-stick wallpaper different, why it’s not just for renters, and how it holds up over time. Elizabeth shares how she built a high-quality, sustainable product that’s easy to use and doesn’t feel temporary or trendy. We also get into how to choose the right pattern, scale, and colorway—plus how to make wallpaper work with artwork, furniture, and older homes that aren’t perfectly straight. If you’ve ever been curious about wallpaper but felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I talk with Joseph Marini, author of Mastering the Art of Entertaining. We cover what it really means to host, beyond the perfect table setting. Joseph shares why entertaining is about connection, not performance, and how a little planning goes a long way. We talk about what makes a good guest, how to keep people out of the kitchen, and why it’s okay to serve store-bought food, as long as you put it in a real bowl. This is a practical, honest conversation about making people feel welcome in your home, no matter your style or budget.

In this edition of the Fix My Room series, I spoke with Kayla, who lives on beautiful Vancouver Island in a post-and-beam home full of character and full of wide open spaces. Her main question was what to do with the big, undefined area between her staircase and the main living space. It’s not a hallway, not quite a room, and right now it’s mostly being used by her young kids as a runway! Together, we walked through the space and explored ideas for how to make it more functional and intentional, without blocking movement or creating clutter.

In this episode, I welcome back designer Jewel Marlowe, whose work is bold, layered, and always intentional. We dig into how she builds palettes using color, pattern, and materials—and why contrast matters just as much as cohesion. Jewel breaks down how she mixes unexpected elements (like leopard print and florals) and why visual weight and scale play such a big role in how a room feels. She shares examples from her own evolving home and current client projects, all while staying rooted in meaning and play. If you’re drawn to the idea of decorating over time with confidence and creativity, this one’s for you.

This week, I’m joined by Professor Annetta Grant, whose research examines why so many of us feel uneasy in our own homes — even after we’ve renovated them. We dive into her concept of dysplacement (yes, spelled with a “y”), and how the rise of HGTV, social media, and resale-minded design has shifted the home from a space of personal expression to a performance of market standards.

Annetta and I talk about why we second-guess our own style, the emotional pressure to “get it right,” and how even dipping our toes into “bold” choices can feel risky.  If you’ve ever wondered why your beautifully updated space still doesn’t feel quite like you, this conversation will give you language — and permission — to rethink everything.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to market a design book—especially when you’re doing most of it yourself. This episode is all about doing things with intention, working within limits, and inviting you to help shape this journey with me.

Leave Me A Message! I need your feedback on the ideas from this episode.  Go here and hit “record!” https://www.speakpipe.com/SlowStyleHome

In this episode, I sit down with interior designer Jade Joyner, co-founder of the firm Metal + Petal, to talk about how she approaches design with intention, balance, and a strong point of view. Jade is the opposite of a formulaic designer—she’s not interested in trends, matching sets, or playing it safe. Instead, she leans into mixing materials, layering stories, and building spaces that reflect the people who live in them.

We go deep into two of her residential projects, walking through how she makes decisions around shape, material, and layout—and how she balances aesthetics with real-life function (like designing for a family with five kids). We also get into what she calls "connective tissue"—the subtle moves that make rooms flow together without feeling matchy or over-designed.

This conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of thought, care, and creative problem-solving that goes into designing spaces that feel both grounded and alive. If you've ever wondered how to pull off a mix—or how to avoid the dreaded “blanket look”—Jade has some smart, candid advice you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, I talk with Whitney English—author, designer, and (as I like to call her) my organizational better half. Her new book, Organize First, Decorate Second, isn't your typical organizing manual. It’s thoughtful, deeply personal, and grounded in real life—something I immediately connected with.

We explore the idea that our homes are not just reflections of who we are, but tools that help shape us. Whitney shares why she prefers the word edit over declutter, how tension (not balance) is her guiding principle, and why you should think twice before buying drawer dividers. We also get into how new urbanism and walkable cities inspired her approach to home design, why she gave up on making her bed, and how organization can actually free up space for beauty and joy—not get in the way of it.

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping things tidy, if you love your stuff but want it to serve you better, or if you just want permission to let go of what’s not working, this conversation will feel like a deep breath.

When I first discovered Ros Byam Shaw’s writing, I felt like I’d found someone who truly saw homes the way I did — not as stage sets or style statements, but as deeply personal spaces layered with time, memory, and quiet beauty. In this episode, I get to speak with Ros Byam Shaw about her work as a writer and her newest book, “ Perfect English, Small and Beautiful”, her longtime collaboration with photographer Jan Baldwin, and what she’s learned from years of stepping inside some of the most thoughtful homes in Britain.

We talk about the charm of unshowy interiors, why rooms don’t need to shout to be compelling, and how trends often miss the point. Ros shares stories from her time at World of Interiors, what makes a home feel lived-in and loved, and why it’s perfectly fine — even wonderful — not to have a “celebrity home.”

This conversation felt like a deep exhale. I hope it reminds you, as it reminded me, that personal style isn’t about impressing anyone — it’s about making a space that feels like you.

In this episode, I explore how real-world experiences — especially travel — can deeply enrich our homes and design choices. I introduce the fourth skill of my Slow Style framework, "Enrich," and talk with Bill Richards and Marla Mullen, co-chairs of Nantucket by Design 2025.

We discuss how honoring a sense of place, like the spirit of Nantucket, can shape meaningful interiors, and why in-person events like this are so powerful for design enthusiasts. Bill and Marla give us a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s theme, Interwoven, and what makes this four-day celebration of design, art, and history truly unforgettable.

In this episode, I talk with Olga Naiman, author of Spatial Alchemy, about how design can help us move through change, break old patterns, and support who we’re becoming. Olga shares how her own journey—starting with something as simple as reupholstering a chair—led her to a deeper understanding of the connection between our homes and our inner lives.

We get into the core idea of spatial alchemy: using design not just to make things look nice, but to reflect and support real emotional shifts. Olga walks us through how small design choices—like moving a desk, upgrading your water glass, or changing what you look at every day—can help us feel more grounded, clear, and aligned.

This isn’t about buying more stuff or getting it “right.” It’s about tuning into how your space is affecting you, and how small shifts can open up real change.

In this episode, I talk with Bailey Li, a self-taught artist and interior designer known for her powerful murals and bold, emotionally driven spaces. We walk through a few of her standout projects, always shaped by what a client wants to experience, emotionally, in a room.  Bailey believes design should reflect not just who you are, but who you're becoming. Then we move on to a listener Q&A regarding how to choose a color palette for your whole home and what to do with empty rooms while they wait to be furnished over time. 

In this edition of the Fix My Room series, I share a one-on-one coaching call with Charlotte, we discuss how to blend her style with the house's current rustic design. We explored furniture arrangement in her large, open living area and kitchen, and tackled her concerns about a big blank wall, appropriate rug size, and making better use of a wood stove. We examine multiple layout options for her brown leather and pink velvet sofas, consider different seating arrangements, and discuss lighting and wall decor to create distinct, functional areas for TV watching, relaxation by the fire, and game nights with friends. We also discussed painting the wood trim and incorporating her black-and-white artwork and shelves filled with books and plants to enhance the room's personality and character. 

My guest today for our “Think Like A Designer” series is Gabriela Eisenhart, founder of Silo Studio Design. We cover a lot of bases in this conversation: finding inspiration for a “wow” moment in a kitchen; how to use color in a mostly neutral living room; mixing heavy and light layers to create a serene bedroom; what to do with that empty area you may have on the 2nd floor landing space; and the biggest bang for your buck when you’re trying to outfit a home or room that has no obvious architectural style.  In other words, maybe it’s a builder-grade shell and you want to personalize it and give it some character! 

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with designer Barrett Oswald to examine the thought process behind her stunning, layered interiors. We explore the power of color, the role of texture, and how composition can transform a space—whether it’s a grand entryway or a cozy nook. Barrett shares insights from her work on both historic and modern homes, explaining how she uses color drenching to create immersive atmospheres, entryways to set the tone, and a mix of materials to bring warmth and depth to a room.

We also discuss the importance of designing with intention, making bold yet thoughtful choices, and mastering the mix of old and new to create a home that truly reflects your personality. Plus, Barrett gives us a peek into her own home and the personal design choices she’s made. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance beauty and function or how to make your space feel both sophisticated and inviting, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

In this episode, I interview Nasozi Kakembo, author of 'African Decor Edit,' who shares her experiences traveling across Africa meeting artisans, and creating home accessories. Nasozi's book underscores the importance of understanding the cultural context behind African decor, highlighting 16 significant objects and how they are artfully incorporated into homes around the world. She emphasizes the historical and regional significance of these pieces, often misrepresented by colonial borders. Nasozi shares fascinating stories, including her challenging experience making Batik in Ghana and her insights on the cultural symbolism of the Juju hat from Cameroon. We also discuss ethical shopping practices and the creative adaptations of African design elements in various global homes, including her own. The conversation touches on the balance between appreciating and respecting cultural artifacts and the unfortunate rise of mass-produced imitations. Through her work, Nasozi advocates for supporting authentic African artisans and preserving the integrity and beauty of their craft.

Last week, I interviewed a designer who strongly follows and advocates for design rules, and while that method works for some, I advocate for a different, more personal approach to home design. I discussed various design rules, their origins, and how they can be broken to create a unique, joyful space that reflects individual style. I categorized design rules into three buckets: classical aesthetic principles, practical rules learned through trial and error by pros, and cultural trends. I believe in playing with these rules rather than strictly adhering to them. I shared my thoughts on specific rules such as lighting sources, scale of lampshades, furniture placement for flow, family portraits, rug sizes, and curtain lengths, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind each rule. For me, design is more art than science, and I encourage exploring and creating a space that truly represents one's unique style. Slow Style is about enjoying the process of decorating and finding joy in creating beauty that resonates personally.

In this episode, I sit down with Betsy Helmuth, a professional designer known for her fast-paced, rule-based approach, which contrasts with my slow style method. While I emphasize self-exploration and taking time to layer a home, Betsy's clients prioritize efficiency and clear guidelines to avoid mistakes in their design decisions. Betsy shares how she helps her New York City clients choose practical, affordable furniture, often from Ikea, over high-end pieces due to their transient living situations. She provides tips like investing in items with moving parts, such as drawers, for better durability. Betsy also discusses her method for creating a cohesive color palette using an inspiration piece with three colors, and her 60-30-10 rule for color distribution. This episode highlights the value of understanding multiple design perspectives and finding what best aligns with one's lifestyle and preferences. 

In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with Danielle Balanis, a Birmingham-based designer known for her bold, layered, and mixed aesthetic. Danielle's designs exude joy, abundance, and energy, adhering to the principles of the Slow Style philosophy. She emphasizes developing an aesthetic rather than adhering to strict style categories, focusing on creating evocative experiences rather than matching products. Danielle draws inspiration from varied sources like fashion and film and stresses the importance of playing with design elements and taking time to let styles unfold. We discussed several projects where she broke conventional design rules, such as rejecting the 60-30-10 color rule and using unusual combinations and scales. Danielle shared specific stories behind her projects, such as draping a whole bathroom to create a luxurious feel and using unexpected elements like antique mirrors and layered patterns. She highlighted a family room framed with dramatic portières and a moody, persimmon-accented bedroom designed for a show house. In her personal creative space, she showcased a blend of textures, colors, and collected items that reflect her unique style. This conversation is full of advice for those hesitant to embrace bold designs, encouraging you to trust your instincts and explore.